Marine coating

#1. Field of the Invention

#This invention relates generally to compressors and refers more particularly to a protective coating that reduces corrosion for a compressor.

#2. Discussion of the Related Art

#Still other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following specification and by reference to the drawings in which: FIGS. 1-3 show parts of the compressor main body in various stages of the processing.

#FIGS. 1-3 show the parts of the compressor main body 10 in the various stages of processing. As can be seen, the spray head 11 from the thermal sprayer apparatus is shown applying the metallic coating layer 12 onto the surface of the compressor.

#The coating system of the present invention provides a strong “barrier” property because of the sprayed metallic layer 12. The form and composition of the sprayed metallic layer 12 described herein is ductile and very adherent to the underlying steel. Therefore, if accidental impact occurs, such as with a wrench, the aluminum will just dent and smear and still remain basically in tact and still cover or protect the steel. The sprayed metallic layer 12, of course, must be thick enough to supply this property.

#Moreover, the electrochemical galvanic potential relationship between the sprayed metallic layer 12 and steel are such that the steel or iron compressor housing 10 becomes protected even when bare steel or iron regions are locally exposed to the corrodant. The sprayed metallic, which is preferably an aluminum coating, is sacrificial to the steel and therefore protects the steel from corroding. The approximate relationship describing this is as follows: